From childhood dream to purpose-driven queen
Miss South Africa finalist, 23-year-old Luyanda Zuma is passionate about creating jobs through African storytelling.
Image: Supplied
WHEN Luyanda Zuma first pictured herself as Miss South Africa, she was just a bright-eyed girl in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, holding onto a dream. Now, she's no longer imagining, but among the top nine finalists vying for the crown.
The international model and actress—best known for her role in the hit series Shaka iLembe—has stepped back into the pageant spotlight.
“This year, it's about purpose,” says Zuma, who first entered Miss South Africa in 2022. “I have witnessed the impact this platform has had on myself and others, and I know it can transform lives.”
As part of the Miss SA journey, Zuma has embraced the Empower Youth Africa (EYA) initiative launched this week, which encourages finalists to champion causes ranging from women empowerment to pan-African collaboration and cultural exchange.
The goals of the initiative aligns with her own empowerment project LeNZ Media, a platform aimed at creating opportunities for new graduates while amplifying authentic African stories.
“I am passionate about opening these opportunities for women, while also advocating for artist rights so that South African creatives, many of whom are icons, are given the recognition and financial security they deserve.
“At the same time, I believe in addressing the disempowerment of the boy child, because this directly impacts the girl child later in life. I want to uplift young men so we have a generation of allies and protectors of women instead of perpetrators,” she says.
Model and actress, Luyanda Zuma from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is among the top 10 finalists in the Miss South Africa pageant.
Image: Supplied
At just 23 years old, Zuma stands out as one of the youngest contestants in this year’s competition, drawing inspiration from former Miss SA Basetsana Kumalo, who was also announced this week as the co - chair of the Miss South Africa Organisation alongside fellow pageant winner Peggy Sue Khumalo.
“Her (Basetsana Kumalo) story ignited a fire in me, she was only 20 years old when she entered Miss South Africa during the year of our first democracy. Her journey affirmed my belief that you are never too young to lead. Today, she stands as one of South Africa’s greatest media moguls. As someone working in the same space, I aspire to follow in her footsteps,” says Zuma.
Through her Miss South Africa experience, Zuma has learnt that true leadership begins with vulnerability.
“I’ve learned it’s not about being perfect but about being authentic, open to growth, and willing to face difficult truths. By standing firmly in my mission, I’ve realised I can use my story to inspire others to believe in change. Miss South Africa has shown me that the crown represents responsibility, courage, and compassion, in line with EYA’s emphasis on health and wellness and holistic leadership,” says Zuma.
Representing KwaZulu-Natal was an honour and a responsibility she takes seriously, she says.
“KZN is rich in culture, resilience, and history, and I carry that heritage with immense pride. It means standing on the shoulders of my ancestors and my community, who taught me respect, service, and unity. I embody the spirit of ubuntu, the belief that ‘I am because we are,’ which reminds me that empowerment is collective, not individual. I also carry the courage of people who rise above adversity with dignity,” says Zuma.
If Zuma takes home the crown at the Miss South Africa ceremony on October 25 at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, she plans to leverage her reign to advance her mission of empowerment further.
“That means shining a light on the boy child without dimming the girl child. I want to spark a national and continental conversation about balance, teaching boys to be allies and encouraging girls to step boldly into their dreams. For me, Miss South Africa is not just a crown; it is a responsibility to unite, uplift, and ensure no young person is ever left behind.”